Brakes slow your car by applying pressure through the callipers and discs (or a similar system). The force behind the pressure is generated by the brake master cylinder when you depress the brake pedal. As one of the main components in the braking system, if the cylinder develops a fault or stops working, then this could have some severe and potentially dangerous consequences.
Continue readingMy Car is Squealing: When Do I need to Start Worrying?
Your car is making a squealing noise. What’s the problem? Unfortunately, there are many parts in your car that can start squeaking over time as they get worn out. However, with the help of this article you’ll be able to identify those that require urgent attention, hopefully preventing any minor fault in your vehicle turning into a major issue.
Continue readingThe Big Power Steering Pump Issues It Pays Not to Ignore
If your power steering pump goes wrong, then chances are you will lose the ability to steer your car easily. Fortunately, there are several warning signs that can give you a heads up of any impending issues, hopefully preventing a major issue or fault whilst on the road.
Continue readingFumes, Emissions and Vapours – Getting a Sniff that Your Charcoal Canister is Faulty
The charcoal canister is responsible for controlling the emission of fumes and vapour leaks from your vehicle’s fuel system. Many people don’t realise that the boiling point of petrol is comparatively low, and it is in a semi-gaseous state at room temperatures, which makes its fumes quite explosive.
Continue readingLimp Mode: What is it? What Causes it? And Most Importantly, How do You Fix it?
You’re driving down the road, doing a good pace. Suddenly you change gear or put your foot down on the accelerator and the car doesn’t respond quite as expected. It’s now stuck in second gear. You can’t get any more than around 2,500 rpm out of the engine, and you’re crawling along the road. What just happened?
Continue readingStop Your Car Being a Target for Break-Ins – The Easy Way
Yes, we’ve talked before about stopping would-be thieves from stealing your car. But what about stopping criminals from breaking in and stealing the contents?
Continue readingYour Car Smells of Petrol – And this is Probably Why…
You notice the strong odour of petrol in your car. We might have talked about how to identify smells in your vehicle before, but today we’re homing in on the scent of the world’s favourite hydrocarbon.
Unsurprisingly, a petrol leak is the most likely cause of the smell. Fortunately, this is fairly easy to diagnose. However – if this isn’t case then these are some of the potential contenders:
Continue readingHelp… My Car is Pulling to One Side, and I don’t Know What to Do
It’s not a great situation. If your car is pulling to one side, either under braking or whilst driving, it can not only be frustrating, but down-right dangerous. However, despite the initial shock, it’s not quite time to go to panic stations yet, as the cause could be actually quite simple.
Obviously, this is a real safety issue, so you’ll want to get it checked out as soon as possible – and the chances are the problem originates from one of the following culprits:
Continue readingEngine Misfires: The Main Causes and the Symptoms of Misfiring You Must Not Ignore
There are many potential causes of a misfiring engine. Some of the most well-known include issues with worn out spark plugs, a weak pressure through the fuel injectors, a vacuum leak, fatigued valve seals, or even issues with the power going to the engine coil. Whatever the reason behind a misfiring engine, you’ll want to get eyes on the problem as soon as possible, as it can rapidly get worse, causing associated systems and parts within your engine to suffer damage. What are some of the most common causes and symptoms of a misfiring engine?
Continue readingDon’t Get Blown Away – How to Navigate Windy Weather from Behind the Wheel
It’s easy to forget that windy weather can be every bit as hazardous as ice, rain, or snow. Gale force weather can often create gusts and sudden pockets of air that can catch even the most experienced driver unawares. As with all dangerous conditions – we’d always recommend that you avoid travelling in severe weather. But if you do have to make that journey in high winds, what’s the best way to stay safe?
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